Middle East News

Yemeni protesters warn of civil war

May 23, 2011, 14:15 GMT

Sana'a - Anti-government protesters in Yemen on Monday urged tribesmen to avoid being dragged into a civil war after the country's president again failed to sign a power-transfer deal.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which has brokered a deal designed to end the unrest in the country, suspended its efforts after Saleh's move Sunday. It is the third time the president has refused to sign the deal, which would end his 32-year-old rule.

'We will contact the tribal leaders and tribesmen to help them understand that the president is elusive and advise them in order not to be dragged into a civil war,' activist Waleed al-Ammari told the German Press Agency dpa.

Saleh has repeatedly accused the country's opposition of dragging the country on the brink of civil war.

Al-Ammari, who believes Saleh is trying to fuel divisions within the opposition, also urged protesters to keep their rallies peaceful.

His comments came as fresh clashes erupted between security forces and the guards of Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, the tribal leader of the Hashid - Saleh's tribe - as they tried to storm his house in the capital, according to eyewitness.

At least 140 people have been killed and thousands injured since the uprising in Yemen started earlier this year.